The Career Mentorship Program (CMP) matches newcomer immigrant professionals (mentees) in the Edmonton region with established professionals and local business leaders/employers (mentors) who share a similar occupational background and create networks through real-life connections and experience.
Ekene shares her journey:
“I’m grateful for several things, including my remarkable experience with the Edmonton Region Immigrant Employment Council (ERIEC). Settling in a new country can be physically, financially, mentally, and emotionally demanding. However, the journey becomes less daunting with the “gift” of people. As an internationally skilled professional, I needed all the support I could get to navigate the Canadian corporate space, and ERIEC was a massive part of that support for me.
In July 2022, I contacted the ERIEC office and applied for the Career Mentorship Program (CMP). The program gave me access to workshops, resources, networking programs, and the opportunity to work with an exceptional mentor. One of the most impressive programs was their ‘Deloitte Impact Day’, which I was privileged to participate in.
Working with my mentor was such a delight! Right from the first conversation, he made me see the possibilities and guided me through all the various phases to help me land my desired job – resume and cover letter preparation, job applications, mock interviews, and networking. I also had resources provided by the ERIEC Mentorship Facilitator.
In November 2022, I started my first role and got two more offers after a few months. I’m in a position that excites me, where I can learn and maximize my skills and expertise.
While my “settling in” may be an ongoing in some sense, I’m grateful to have gotten to this point in my journey and to have been a part of the ERIEC CMP. I cherish my incredible connections with the ERIEC Staff and my ERIEC Mentor. Thank you ERIEC for being a part of my success story.”
If you are an immigrant professional, a Permanent Resident currently living in Edmonton, and interested in ERIEC’s Mentorship or Connector Program, please contact [email protected].
If you are an established professional or business leader looking to volunteer as a mentor or establish corporate partnerships, please contact Zoila García at [email protected].